15 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Illinois RNs

• Illinois tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. 
• If you’re an Illinois RN interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree, you may already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• Check out these 15 scholarships for Illinois nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Known for its vibrant arts scene, professional sports teams, and financial hub, Illinois has many attractions that could capture the attention of tourists and travel nurses across the U.S. In fact, these attractive features may contribute to the vast number of nurses who choose to obtain registered nurse licensure within the state. Illinois is among the Top 5 states with the largest number of licensed RNs.  

Illinois RNs may also have reason to return to school as some advanced practice RNs (APRNs) in the state make a salary much higher than that of the national average. For example, at a yearly salary of around $281,200, Illinois nurse anesthetists make almost $70,000 more per year than the average nurse anesthetist in the U.S. 

While the workplace might offer tuition assistance, many nursing organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees as well. This applies to RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to go back for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate Nurse Practitoner (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree.   

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about APRN salary and job outlook in Illinois, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Illinois APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

Illinois NPs are well-employed, and paid comparable to the average NP in the U.S. In 2023, Illinois employed about 9,200 NPs at an average salary of around $127,000 per year. The same year, the state employed 200 nurse midwives at an average yearly salary of $123,800, lower than the national average.  

On the contrary, nurse anesthetists in Illinois make almost $70,000 more per year than the average nurse anesthetist in the U.S. Illinois nurse anesthetists make an average of $ 281,200 per year. The Chicago/Naperville/Elgin metropolitan ranks among the top metropolitan areas in the U.S. with the highest number of employed NPs, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists! 

Nationally, the average APRN salaries include $126,000 for NPs, $130,000 for nurse midwives, and $213,000 for nurse anesthetists. APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs. 

Keep in mind, not every graduate nursing degree is an APN/APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees, but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to Illinois RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Illinois APRN Tuition Costs

Tuition at public institutions in Illinois is higher than the national average. In fact, Illinois is among the Top 10 states with the highest public college tuition. Illinois tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as an Illinois resident, tuition costs can be even higher.  

These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights. 

While these numbers can be intimidating, scholarships can cover some, if not all, costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts, and more. 

15 Scholarships for Illinois RNs 

As of October 2024, the state of Illinois had about 16,600 NPs, 2,600 nurse anesthetists, 800 clinical nurse specialists, and 500 nurse midwives. If you’re interested in joining the APRN workforce by attending graduate school (or are already enrolled) and want to save on tuition, explore these 15 scholarships for Illinois RNs.  

Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendars. 

Illinois Rural Health Association Workforce Development Behavioral Health Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Illinois Rural Health Association 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: Unspecified 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a graduate program focused on behavioral health or social work. Psychiatric/mental health NP students might consider applying. Must have been raised in rural Illinois and intend on practicing in a designated rural Health  
• Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). 
• Details: https://www.ilruralhealth.org/SCHOLARSHIPS  

Dan Evans Student Rep. Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: December 
• Eligibility: For applicants currently enrolled in an Illinois nurse anesthesia program (must be an appointed student representative of the program). Must be in good academic/clinical standing, intend to practice as a nurse anesthetist in Illinois after graduation, and intend to become an active IANA member within one year of graduation (and remain active for at least two years). 
• Details: https://www.ilcrna.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40:dan-evans-student-rep–scholarship&catid=20:site-content&Itemid=138  

Society Of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck SOHN Nurses Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Society Of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, Ear-Nose-Throat Nursing Foundation 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: July 
• Eligibility: For current SOHN members enrolled in a graduate nursing program (at least six hours per semester). Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit letters of recommendation. 
• Details: https://www.sohnnurse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44:scholarships&catid=20:site-content&Itemid=141  

Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Scholarship 

• Sponsor: NAPNAP Illinois Chapter  
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For RNs or APNs enrolled in or recently graduated from an APN program with a pediatric focus. Must be a member of the Illinois Chapter of the NAPNAP and dedicated to improving the quality of pediatric health care. Must also have their capstone or terminal project approved (project or research must support NAPNAP’s mission). 
• Details: https://chicagonapnap.enpnetwork.com/page/2417-illinois-chapter-scholarship-2024  

Arthur L. Davis Scholarship for Future Nurse Educators 

• Sponsor: Illinois Nurses Foundation 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing a nursing or related degree with intent to serve as nursing faculty in Illinois after graduation. 
• Details: https://www.illinoisnurses.foundation/scholarships/#1545163379562-57d37b5d-fd43  

Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Illinois Nurses Foundation, Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For ISAPN members pursuing an APRN degree. Current APRNs pursuing additional education are also eligible. Must reside in Illinois or attend an Illinois institution. 
• Details: https://www.illinoisnurses.foundation/scholarships/#1545163379562-57d37b5d-fd43  

Alma J. Labunski Memorial Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Illinois Nurses Foundation, Illinois Nurses Association District 18 
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a nursing program at an accredited school of nursing within Northern Cook and Lake County. 
• Details: https://www.illinoisnurses.foundation/scholarships/#1545163379562-57d37b5d-fd43  

Southern Illinois Healthcare Master’s Degree in Nursing Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) 
• Award: (depends on cost of applicant’s tuition) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in the final two years of an MSN program. Must be an employee of SIH. Facilities include: Memorial Hospital of Carbondale (Carbondale), St. Joseph Memorial Hospital (Murphysboro), Herrin Hospital (Herrin), and Harrisburg Medical Center (Harrisburg). 
• Details: https://www.sih.net/careers/scholarship-programs  

Illinois Student Assistance Commission Nursing Education Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Illinois Student Assistance Commission 
• Award: up to $18,204 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or accepted into) an approved nursing program (includes graduate programs). May be full- or part-time. Preference given to applicants demonstrating financial need. Must be an Illinois resident (for at least one year prior to date of application) and commit to working as an RN or APRN in Illinois within six months of graduation for a specified amount of time (equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship). Applicant must attend an approved Illinois institution (see website for list). 
• Details: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/nursing-education-scholarship-program.html 

Palmer Carrier Student Scholarship 

• Sponsor: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program in Illinois. Preference given to second-year students. Additional scholarships are available.  
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship  

Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) 
• Award: (full ride) 
• Deadline: September 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled or accepted into a full-time accredited academic program in nursing (certified psychiatric NP or any MSN program). Award recipients will also receive a monthly $1,300 stipend to cover living expenses. Must commit to working full-time for the VA for at least two years after graduation. May work at an Illinois VA or any other VA location in the U.S. 
• Details: https://vacareers.va.gov/job-news-advice/apply-influential-va-scholarship-programs/  

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Scholarships 

• Sponsors: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Institute 
• Award: up to $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For NACNS members enrolled in either a CNS graduate program or a critical care CNS graduate program. Applicants enrolled in a CNS program must have a passion for quality, safety, and clinical excellence. Applicants enrolled in a critical care CNS program must have a background in critical care, preferably holding critical care RN (CCRN) certification. Must submit two letters of recommendations. 
• Details: https://nacns.org/career-education/awards/  

Ron Brady Career Mobility Program Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) 
• Award: $1,500 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or accepted into) a BSN or advanced nursing degree program that will enhance their urologic nursing practice. Must be a SUNA member (for a minimum of two consecutive years) and currently employed in urology practice. 
• Details: https://www.suna.org/about/scholarships/ron-brady-career-mobility-scholarship  

Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates RN Advancing Education Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), Fujifilm 
• Award: $1,000 to $2,000 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For RNs advancing their education. Must be an SGNA member taking at least three credit hours per semester. 
• Details: https://www.sgna.org/Member-Resources/Awards-Scholarships/Scholarships  

National Health Services Corp Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration 
• Award: Varied amount (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For full-time NP and nurse midwife students enrolled in an accredited school. NP students must specialize in adult medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health. All applicants must commit to working at least two years in rural, urban, and tribal communities (those with limited access to care) after graduation. 
• Details: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/eligibility-requirements  

The Bottom Line

For Illinois RNs, advancing your career is an excellent move, as the nursing industry has many areas of need. If finances are a determining factor for returning to school, consider applying for multiple scholarships. If lack of time is an issue, many nursing schools offer online, part-time programs, many of which are more affordable than traditional full-time programs. 

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